Past Was Prologue
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The recent Persian Gulf crisis could have been avoided if America had decided back in 1979 to become less dependent on foreign crude. In 1978, Saddam Hussein had just taken power in Iraq. Today, he has the fourth-largest military force in the world.
How come a Third World nation such as razil was able to convert sugar cane into fuel and manufacture millions of cars that were not at all dependent on foreign oil?
Now we risk the lives of Americans in a Middle East showdown. Why? It is because 42% of our oil is imported.
Over a decade ago, the 1979 energy crisis was an omen of things to come. Saddam Hussein is only part of a much larger picture. America’s powerful oil lobby created a massive oil glut, lowered prices, drove out competitors, acquired vast numbers of independent service stations, and literally drove the little guy out of business.
Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
FRANK KAZERSKI
Orange
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